Around the late 1800's and into the mid 1900's train depots were more than just loading and unloading passengers and freight. The buildings were a social gathering among family and friends as they arrived or departed to another destination. Small depots allowed goods to be brought in as merchants were eager to sell their wares, news from other areas were shared, and people were able to send and receive telegraphs from those they love.
Below are pictures of the Grand Trunk Depot in Battle Creek, Michigan, located at 175 Main St. Battle Creek, MI. It was built in 1906 with a mix of several cultural influences, such as Dutch features in the battlement and parapet walls, Spanish-style red tiled roof, and the Hindu style domes. It even had a German-style dining room for guests. It really was a spectacular building in its day. Railroad traffic started to decline and in 1973 the Grand Trunk Western Railroad decided to end its service. In 1988, the building was updated and repurposed to become the Community Action Agency.
* The images below were photographed by Jill Moyer on May 28, 2021.
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